Homeowner Involved In Shootout With Two Armed Burglars

A Smithfield homeowner is lucky to be alive after being shot at by two burglars inside of his home. Around 10:30pm Wednesday, Johnston County deputies said the 40 year-old man had returned to his home with an acquaintance when he discovered two burglars inside his house on Ogburn Road.

The victim said the two burglars began firing their guns towards him. He returned fire as the two suspects fled on foot.

Deputies arrived on the scene and found one of the suspects, 21 year-old Jauquan Fontell Sanders of 504 Winston Circle, Selma lying in the bushes at a neighbors home on Ogburn Road suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg. He was transported to Wake Medical Center in Raleigh and was in stable condition on Thursday.

Detective Lt. Mike Carson said investigators are still searching for the second suspect. The homeowner was not hit during the exchange of gunfire.

Lt. Carson said investigators have not located the weapons allegedly used by Sanders and the second suspect who got away. Deputies did take possession of the firearm used by the homeowner pending the completion of the investigation.

Anyone with information about burglary and shooting on Ogburn Road around 10:30pm Wednesday is asked to contact the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office at 919-989-5000. Callers can remain anonymous.